"I don't know much about androids, but you seem to be able to move alright," Reed murmured as he examined the pale android. He'd eventually managed to coax him into sitting on the edge of the metal bench. The android nodded silently. He began signing a few words before stopping with an almost downtrodden expression. Reed couldn't understand him. He had no way to communicate. Seeming to understand his thoughts, Reed rested a hand on his larger shoulder. "It's alright. Once we get out of here and find Connor, you'll be able to do that creepy hand thing, and maybe he'll know a way to...fix you up." Reed was uncertain about his wording, but he was sure Connor would help. How could he not? He was a complete do-gooder, as sappy as they come. Reed had no doubt the blue-eyed beauty would melt his heart in an instant.

The android looked hesitant, not that Reed could blame him. It made sense he'd have a certain level of distrust for those he didn't know. It seemed his existence had been one long period of endless abuse. Being unable to communicate left Reed unable to get more details. What had happened to those scientists? Had they just up and abandoned him here? How had he managed to get control of the doors and everything to lure him down there? And why? Why not simply leave? Had he been too scared? Why him? Why a human over all the androids in this place?

"Are there any clothes around here?" Reed wondered aloud, thinking of checking the surrounding rooms. It was hardly appropriate for the android to walk around naked, but the android didn't seem to have a sense of shame. Though if I looked like that, I probably wouldn't either...Reed was unable to prevent his green eyes from roving over the perfectly sculpted figure. Even with the old gouges and holes, he still looked too attractive. He didn't even want to look between the android's legs. It was making him self-conscious.

The android shook his head. The androids created on this level were prototypes that would never see the light of day. They were built, tested, improved upon, and then their designs would be sent up for the real developments to begin. The prototype models on this level were simply tested and scrapped. Why would they need clothes when they would never see anyone outside the test rooms? Of course, the android couldn't voice any of this, so he simply looked at his knees. The jacket, though too small across the shoulders, gave him a little modesty at least. He hadn't pulled it on, but he wore it like a cape. Cloaked in comfort.

"Detective?" Connor's hesitant voice called from somewhere out in the hall. Reed was startled as the android dove beneath the bench once more and quickly joined him without thinking. He already had his gun in his hand by the time he stopped to think about it. He sighed as he looked at the android almost accusingly. Why the hell am I hiding? He'd gotten caught up with the timid android's skittish nature. He signalled the android to wait as he got to his feet and levelled his gun at the doorway cautiously. Just in case...

"Connor?" Connor looked surprised as he noticed Reed's gun trained on him. "How do I know it's you?" Reed asked cautiously, remembering the other RK800 he'd found above. How many more Connors were there in this tower? He shifted his gun as a second Connor stepped into view, though this one was really more like his companion under the table. He was a little taller than Connor, wearing a high collared black shirt with a white and black jacket that read RK900 on the breast.

"I understand your caution, but I am me, Detective," Connor assured, standing perfectly at ease as if he trusted him with his life. Reed lowered his gun a fraction at that, and then completely as he saw Markus step through the doorway. It seemed their whole group was still together. He sighed in relief, but still eyed the RK900 with distrust. "What are you doing down here?" Connor asked curiously, watching Reed's eyes shift hesitantly to the bench.

"I-I was just looking around..." He replied sheepishly, and Connor didn't even need to scan to know he was lying. Reed wasn't sure why, but seeing so many androids was making him uneasy. He was hesitant to reveal his new companion, especially as he felt a small tug on the denim of his pants. The android was afraid. He stepped a little closer on instinct, offering comfort. "Weird shit's been happening down here, Connor," he added gravely, and Connor immediately seemed interested. Reed was about to speak further when the RK900 in the doorway spoke, his LED blinking red and yellow.

"The inferior model, three-one-three, two-four-eight, three-one-seven, zero-zero," he stated in a detached tone. His blue eyes shifted to the bench beside Reed with something akin to distaste. Reed looked down as the hand tightened. The android looked both ashamed and terrified as he huddled beneath the table. "Why is it here? It was decommissioned and destroyed many months ago," the RK900 continued. Connor and the others looked confused until the naked android slowly got to his feet. He didn't look at anyone as he huddled behind Reed. Reed remained where he was, acting as a somewhat comforting barrier between the vulnerable android and the newcomers.

"Who the phck are you calling inferior, asshole?" Reed snapped, surprised by the venom in his own tone. Connor also seemed surprised, looking between Reed and RK900 warily. The RK900 seemed unbothered as he held his hands neatly behind his back and regarded him with interest. This human was interesting. His emotions ran hot and vibrant. He had a strong sense of injustice. He was somehow a loose cannon, but at the same time, utterly stable. Intriguing.

"The zero model is an incomplete and unstable design that must be deactivated," the RK900 stated simply as he took a singular step forward. He paused with a raised eyebrow as Reed raised his gun firmly. There was fire in his dirty green eyes. His hands were utterly still. It was almost inhuman. Behind him, the naked android seemed to shrink a little, huddling closer to him like a shield.

"Like phck you will!" Reed objected, the other five androids watching worriedly.

"Detective, be reasonable. The zero models are incomplete units meant for testing. Nothing more. They aren't even created with their higher functions intact," the RK900 argued emotionlessly. The reasoning seemed so twisted coming from the mouth of another android. An identical model at that. There was something not quite right about this RK900. He wasn't like Connor and the others. His blue eyes were dim and somewhat indifferent. Logical. Un-deviated. A well of disgust opened in Reed's stomach. "It was registered as deactivated months ago. This oversight must be corrected," the RK900 stated, only hesitating when Reed twitched his gun.

"Try it and I'll decommission your ass," Reed threatened in a low growl. Adrenaline made his voice shake, but his hand remained steady. He was a marvel of human evolution. This human had trained himself to control his aim, even under the duress of excess adrenaline. His legs quivered, but his hands and aim were perfectly level. Years of practice. Admirable discipline.

"I am completely bulletproof, Detective," the RK900 warned, though he remained where he was. The bullet could ricochet and damage the lesser androids or the human. Reed scoffed as he steadied his gun with both hands and took careful aim. He knew from watching the video that the android was bulletproof. His new friend had the holes to prove it. However...

"I'm willing to bet your eyes are made of glass, though." Reed smirked as he noted the way the RK900 faltered and almost scowled. "I'm the best damn shot in the DPD. Look it up, asshole...Still want to try me?" he added in a steady tone. His eyes were hawklike. Trained on one of the android's dull blue eyes, already lining up the shot. He didn't even blink as he rested his finger on the trigger. Connor stepped forward in an instant, stepping between them to deescalate the situation. Reed lowered his gun slightly as the RK900 paused.

"Wait, please...According to your files, the zero unit is registered as decommissioned and deactivated. You are no longer registered as belonging to Cyberlife, so enforcing his deactivation is no longer part of your mission," Connor reasoned. They all watched the RK900 reluctantly process this information, but he still seemed discontent. Connor looked at him hopefully, quietly agreeing with Reed. The android behind him seemed terrified, huddled timidly in nothing more than Reed's small jacket. He was vulnerable. He needed protection.

"To allow this android to continue its existence would be shameful. The RK900 is the most advanced line of androids created, but for this singular defect," the RK900 stated with a hint of bitterness that didn't belong in its tone. Reed could feel the android behind him flinch against his back. He somehow felt a fellow feeling for him. He was damaged. Broken. Inferior. Unwanted. He could see himself in him in some ways. He leaned back a little, offering some small comfort.

"You're shameful...You wouldn't even exist without the shit he's been through. Have you ever thought of that? Do you even know? Do you have any phcking idea?" Reed demanded in a low growl, remembering the videos he'd watched playing on a loop. It was a painful reminder. "Would you even dare to look? Go on! I phcking dare you, you plastic prick!" Reed taunted in a venomous tone. The RK900 looked at him with an almost defensive frown. There was silence until Connor stepped closer and held his hand out, skin drawing back to reveal the pure white of his casing beneath.

"I'll look," he murmured in a warm and accepting tone. Reed was surprised as he felt the android behind gripping his shoulders almost painfully as he buried his face in his spine and shook his head. "Please?" Connor added as he stepped a little closer, trying not to scare the timid android. Reed looked back, giving him a small nod of encouragement. It was alright. Connor wouldn't judge him. Maybe he could help. The android finally stepped to Reed's side and held out his hand, his own skin peeling back as Connor started an interface. They both froze, their expressions blank as it began. Within seconds, something seemed to go wrong.

Reed watched as Connor twitched. His brown eyes creased and filling with saline as his whole body seemed to quake. His mouth fell open and pained gasps broke free until the sound grew louder, into a scream that sounded like it shredded his vocal processors. The zero model quickly drew back, breaking the connection as Connor dropped to his knees with a static whine. Connor raised a hand to his power core as he trembled. Reed was already kneeling in front of him, worriedly gripping his shoulders. Even the RK900 seemed concerned, blue eyes widening a fraction as he examined Connor's quaking limbs.

"Connor..." Markus murmured as he crouched down and extended his hand, accepting the offered interface. His own brow pinched before he drew back. The connection had been shorter and less intense, but he'd seen and felt enough. "I am so sorry..." he added as he looked up at the zero model, who had returned to his place behind Reed, head hung in shame. He felt exposed. He had allowed someone to intimately share in his suffering. He had inflicted his own pain upon someone else. The zero model held up his hands, making signs at Connor and Markus.

"Don't apologise. The shame is not yours," Connor interrupted sincerely as he slowly got to his feet, still shaking a little. The zero model continued to sign his apologies until Connor finally stepped forward and took his larger hands. The zero model still couldn't make eye contact. "Stop-stop!" Connor soothed gently, suddenly understanding why Reed felt so protective. The vulnerable android drew you in. His blue eyes begged for support and understanding, even as he tried to push you away.

"Can you...fix him?" Reed asked hesitantly, unsure whether or not the term fix was considered offensive. Either way, Markus seemed to understand what he meant as he looked the vulnerable android up and down. The outer damage to his casing seemed fairly superficial, and they had a whole lab upstairs dedicated to the RK900 models, so it was more than likely possible. It was likely they could also patch up and provide any software or hardware for the model that he was lacking.

"I believe so, but we'll have to perform extensive tests first to gauge the severity of the internal damage," Markus replied clinically. All of them noted the way the zero model flinched at the word tests. The newer RK900 had remained silent during this exchange. His expression was one of distaste and judgement. He barely acknowledged the zero model, opting to pretend that he didn't exist. "On that note, it's probably best for us to leave for now...North, Josh, perhaps the two of you would like to examine the computers for more information," Markus suggested. His companions nodded their agreement as they crossed to the two desks and began gathering the equipment.

Reed remained close to the zero model as they headed up the corridor, following Markus and the RK900. The lift ride was awkward. The timid android huddled in one corner while his more advanced brother stood in the opposite, looking at him almost scornfully. He only looked away when he met Reed's sharp eyes. Back the phck off! Connor also remained close, a second comforting presence for the android to cling to. The other RK900s seemed to share the same discomfort around the zero model. Their blue eyes either sharpened or avoided him completely. Maybe no one likes to be reminded where they came from...Reed mused, noting that many of them were unwilling to meet the zero model's gentle eyes.

"What's the plan for these guys?" Reed asked curiously as he waved an arm at the ten RK900 models. All of them were perfectly identical, right down to the creases in their clothing. It was eerie. Reed was glad he'd never seen two active RK800s together. Markus looked across at the un-deviated androids with a small shrug.

"It's up to them now. They need to find a place for themselves. You're welcome to remain here, of course, but I'm sure there will be plenty of companies grateful for your skills," Markus added kindly. The RK900s mostly nodded their agreement. They were detective models with advanced combat capabilities. That made them excellent potential staff for the FBI, State Department, army, and many other secretive or military organisations. Only ten RK900 androids had been fully completed before Cyberlife shut down. The rest had been left partly developed and lying in pieces, never to be used.

"What about you, Detective? Will you be staying a while?" Simon asked curiously as he looked between Reed and the timid zero model. Reed seemed surprised by the question. He wasn't an android. No way was he sticking around this creepy place for longer than he had to. Simon seemed to pick up on his feelings of distaste, his blue eyes glancing at the vulnerable zero model meaningfully. The zero model was still trembling, silvery eyes imploring. He was still wrapped in Reed's smaller jacket.

"I have work to get back to," Reed replied awkwardly, which wasn't a total lie. He'd taken the day to spend here with Connor, but he did have a lot of case work waiting for him back at the station. He tried to ignore the static sound of distress and the needy gaze of the mute zero model. He felt bad, but he wasn't a technician, and the android wasn't his responsibility. It wasn't a good idea to let victims get too attached, either. Technically, Reed had been an officer of the law performing a duty of care. Staying with the zero model longer would make him more dependent on him for security. "Connor, are you coming?" Reed asked, his green eyes suggesting it would be a good idea for him to remain for now.

"I'll stay awhile and help our friend adjust," Connor agreed kindly as he smiled up at the zero model assuringly. Reed nodded as he shoved his hands in his denim pockets. He approached the zero android with a small, assuring smile, fishing around in his jacket pockets to grab his keys and phone. The android seemed reluctant as he slowly slid the jacket from his shoulders and held it out. He knew it wasn't his. Reed would want it back. He still looked almost heartbroken at the prospect.

"It's alright...Keep it for a while...You look cold," Reed murmured as he gently hooked the jacket over the android's large shoulders once more. Reed paused as the android gripped his wrist in a firm but gentle grasp. He could see that he didn't want him to leave. He gave him a soft look and rested his hand on top. "You'll be fine. Connor's staying for a bit...I'll see you around," he added as he drew back with a small wave and stepped away. He couldn't understand the signs the android was making as he left. He felt a twinge of guilt twist in his chest at the thought.